T-cell interactions with extracellular matrix proteins in periodontal disease

Lymphoid cell infiltration of periodontal tissues undergoing pathological destruction suggests a functional interdependence between connective tissue proteins such as collagen, fibronectin and elastin and mononuclear cells, mainly T lymphocytes. The aim of the study was to assess T lymphocyte proliferation after stimulation by mAb OKT3 and then costimulation by ECM (extracellular matrix) proteins, as well as T-cell adhesion to connective tissue proteins in patients with adult periodontitis, early-onset periodontitis, chronic gingivitis and experimental gingivitis. Controls included patients with clinically healthy periodontium. Statistical analysis of results showed a significantly decreased level of T lymphocyte proliferation in response to costimulating action of ECM proteins among patients with adult periodontitis as compared to the control group. Reactivity of T-cells was much higher in experimental gingivitis than in adult periodontitis, and significantly lower in chronic gingivitis than in controls. In addition, T-cell interaction with ECM proteins was abnormal in early-onset periodontitis patients, but was not statistically significant.